When Ability Cannot Be Blamed: Factors Associated With Degree Completion for High-Achieving Low-Income Students

• In Event: 73.033 - Financial and Socioeconomic Factors Affecting College Student Success

Abstract

Gaps in completion between low-income and high-income college students are typically attributed to the lack of academic preparation and ability amongst low-income students. However, high achieving low-income students are still less likely to graduate from college than their high achieving high-income counterparts. As this disparity cannot be blamed on entering students’ academic preparation and ability, this study used a community cultural wealth framework to examine the additional pre-college factors and anticipated college experiences that contribute to the degree completion of high achieving low-income students.

Authors

• Sylvia Hurtado, University of California - Los Angeles

• Adriana Ruiz Alvarado, University of California - Los Angeles

• Theresa Jean Stewart-Ambo, University of California - Los Angeles